Mazda 6 follows on from the 626, which in turn succeeded the 616/Capella/RX2 range in 1970.
The exterior follows Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy. The lines are slinky and flow in gentle curves over and around wheel arches.
The current model began life in 2012. Since then it has had several updates to drivetrain and on-board technology.
It now benefits from SkyActive and SkyDrive, Mazda’s efficiency suite. That’s a broad term for the engine, transmission, and construction attributes, and adds to fuel efficiency and safety.
There are 4 levels, 2 body shapes, 2 engines, and 1 transmission. Trim levels, Sport, Touring, GT, and Atenza see gradual increases in the cool technology and safety features. You can select either a sedan or wagon, and chose either a turbo petrol or turbo diesel engine. Our car had the 170kw/420Nm turbo petrol option.
Mazda 6 drive the front wheel through a 6 speed SkyDrive automatic transmission.
Electric steering feels responsive with Sport Mode adding a little weight, as well as extra throttle response. Performance is nippy especially when gears are held in Sport Mode. Mazda claims 7.6L/100k, but the best we got in combined figures was 10.7L/100 with mainly city driving.
You can tow a braked load of 1600kg, with a 120kg towball download limit.
Ride is incredibly smooth regardless of road surface thanks to MacPherson struts at the front and Multi-Link in the rear.
GT models come with a 19” wheels, and a steel space-saver spare
Even on loose gravel roads, handling on rutted surfaces was excellent. The ride is tuned to a soft and smooth experience rather than firm sportiness. You notice the 1601kg kerb weight in tighter corners.
Mazda 6 GT sedan Safety
There is a full suite of safety technology including airbags and stability control. Active auto LED headlights bend as you steer around a bend, with more LED lighting across the rear end. The GT models have a HUD which displays driver information directly in front of the driver on the windscreen as seen in fighter jets. It includes a speedo, blind spot indications, speed and traffic signs, cruise control setting, and lane departure warnings. Blind spot warnings also display in side mirrors, and traffic sign in the Navigation map on the centre LCD.
Blind spot monitoring has active steering and lane control, and active radar cruise control comes with speed limiter.
Sound from the Bose speakers is rich and deep.
Cabin technology includes a touch LCD infotainment system with further controls on the centre console input dial and buttons.
Cabin design is impeccable.
Cream Nappa leather feels luxurious. Seats are heated and power adjusted, 10way for driver and 8way for passenger. Both are heated.
Matching soft coverings on dash and doors gives the interior of an expensive Scandinavian gentlemen’s club.
Although nearing the end of the model run, Mazda 6 still feels current and up to date.
See our full review for more detail.
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